Right from the first time Brendan Beatty skated for Princeton High ice hockey team as a freshman, he has been an impactful player. Now as a senior, Beatty has become an impactful leader, too. The Tigers’ captain, who is nearing 100 career points, has been a part of the glory days of Princeton hockey as a county champion, and although it hasn’t been a great start this season — the team was 1-5 entering play on Monday — Beatty doesn’t see the struggles lasting. “I’m excited for my final season,’’ said Beatty. “This isn’t the start we wanted but I think the future is bright for Princeton High ice hockey as we have a lot of freshman and all of them are trying to make the biggest impact they can on the team.’’ A consummate team player, Beatty does whatever is needed. This season he has been on the forward line and seen time in the defensive zone, as well. “The only way is up from here,’’ Beatty stated. “It’s one play at a time, one game and one pass at a time. We can’t rush it we have to be a team and we have to work together, work with the coaches and all be as one.’’ Beatty who has 36 career goals and 58 career assists for 96 points is coming off a career season in goals with 14 and his 23 assists as a sophomore are a career high. Growing up watching his brother play at PHS, it difficult at times for Brendan to believe this is his final season. “It’s weird to think I’m a senior and a captain, but I’m just trying to keep the guys as one and hope the freshman see a good leader that they can look up to.’’ stated Beatty. “I love PHS hockey, I couldn’t ask for a better experience and we are the only public school in the CVC that is not combined with another school. That shows a lot. The guys on this team have grit.’’ Beatty has brought a lot of grit to the lacrosse field, as well, for Princeton. He has 104 goals and 130 assists for the lacrosse team. “I’ve always loved hockey,’’ said Beatty. “But, when I started playing lacrosse in the third grade I fell in love with it. It was a little bit of a tough decision and I’m happy with the decision I made.’’ The decision was to attend the University of Vermont next fall to play lacrosse. First, though, the captain from Cranbury needs to get the Tigers heading in the right direction, again. “We need to buy in and we need to do everything as a team,’’ said Beatty. “Come to hockey and work your tail off and do it the right way. We’ll get back to where we were and it’s going to take grit and determination.’’